Players Profile Series: Freddie Hubalde - The Silent Operator
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De La Salle secures twice-to-beat, outlasts UST in four sets
De La Salle University (DLSU) clinched the twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Final Four after a gritty four-set win over University of Santo Tomas (UST), 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27, on Wednesday, April 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Spikers recovered from a slow start and leaned on clutch performances in the final sets to edge out the Golden Tigresses in a tightly contested playoff for the second seed. With the win, DLSU earned the upper hand as the two squads arranged to face off again in the semifinals on Saturday, May 3.
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY LADY SPIKERS
"This match just showed the girls' heart and determination to win, and that’s why the result turned out this way," said DLSU assistant coach Noel Orcullo, praising his team’s fighting spirit.
La Salle’s signature defense came through at crucial moments, especially in Set 4. The Lady Spikers out-blocked UST 20-8, with Lilay Del Castillo delivering the game’s biggest rejection—denying Beth Hilongo at the net to put La Salle at match point, 28-27.
Shevana Laput followed with a powerful down-the-line kill to seal the victory, stunning UST, who had earlier held a 24-22 lead.
Offensively, Angel Canino anchored the team once again, finishing with an impressive triple-double: 24 points, 12 excellent receptions, and 10 digs, earning her Player of the Game honors.
Laput added 22 markers, while Alleiah Malaluan chipped in with 11. Amie Provido also shined defensively, scoring 10 points, including five blocks.
With the win, La Salle set the tone in what is shaping up to be another intense chapter in their rivalry with UST. On the other side of the Final Four bracket, top-seeded National University will take on Far Eastern University.
